HMS Excellent

This training center sits on Whale Island in Portsmouth Harbour and covers a site with several large instruction buildings, drill grounds and administrative facilities. The campus includes simulators for maritime operations, firing ranges and classrooms used for different courses.

The facility began in 1830 as a training ship under Commander George Smith and moved ashore permanently to Whale Island in 1885. Sailors from here pulled Queen Victoria's coffin at her funeral in 1901 after the horses failed, earning the Victoria Medal for their action.

During Queen Victoria's funeral in 1901, sailors from HMS Excellent stepped in to pull her coffin when horses failed, receiving the Victoria Medal.

Access to the facility is by permission only as it remains an active military site. Visitors should note that most areas are closed to the public and only open for special occasions or prior arrangement.

The site houses the Defence Diving School, where divers from different service branches train for underwater operations. The school develops skills for salvage, mine clearance and other specialized tasks beneath the surface.

Website: https://royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/bases-and-stations/training-establishments/hms-excellent

GPS coordinates: 50.81917,-1.09681

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:54